Explosive Stress - h3010v10094

DOE-HDBK-3010-94

4.0 Solids; Summary

penetrators against hard targets such as armor (i.e., thin film formed by

plastic deformation of the metal in passage through armor is ignited by

frictional heat and rapidly cooled in the air). The maximum solubility values

reported for the type of situation are 50% "D" class + 50% "Y" class.

Bounding

ARF 1E+0/RF 1.0

E xp losive S tres s

The effect most closely resembling stresses in a given explosive-type accident scenario is

chosen. There is no need to assume cumulative releases for all effects cited.

Shock Effects. For detonations in or contiguous to solid metal, a respirable

release of a mass of inert material equal to the TNT equivalent is assessed to

be bounding. At low mass ratios (mass inert material/mass TNT equivalent),

the respirable release is comparable to the total material release. As mass

ratios increase, the respirable fraction becomes significantly less than the total

amount of material released, which decreases with increasing mass ratio as

well2.

Blast Effects. No significant airborne release is postulated. For effects on

metal surface contamination, see Chapter 5.

Venting of Pressurized Gases Over Metal. No significant airborne release is

postulated. For effects on metal surface contamination, see Chapter 5.

F ree-F all S p ill an d I mp action S tres s

No significant airborne release is postulated for this accident configuration. For effects on

surface contamination, see Chapter 5.

The release estimation methodology presented here is not intended to cover high ex plosive

detonations involving nuclear weapons or associated asse mblies, which can involve mass ratios much less

than 1. Extensive investigation into such events has been conducted and actual releases depend on highly

sensitive configuration information. An estimate of 20% of weapon metal released as respirable particles

has precedent as a general upper bound for such events. However, specific configuration studies also

support respirable releases in the range of 1% to 10% of the metal. If the 20% value is not used, thorough

knowledge of the literature and consultation with knowledgeable individuals at relevant national laboratories

is necessary to finalize values assu med for a given purpose.

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